<<and they all told me I had to be an RN as well.  Are we getting the
picture here?  My IBCLC credential proves that I am qualified to offer the
best lactation care available but so what?  I still can't work where I want
to.  Certification alone just doesn't cut it. >> 

Yes,  The IBCLC credential seems to be useless.  If you have another
credential that takes precedence and covers your actions.  If you do NOT
have another credential your hands are tied AND no one will hire you.  I
have applied to 5 different positions for Lactation Consultant and ALL them
require the RN, period.  I asked each hiring manager a hypothetical
question: if two candidates applied for the job and one had the RN but no
IBCLC (just a basic breastfeeding course of whatever length) credential and
the other had a Bachelor of Science degree in Human Lactation, was IBCLC and
had x number of years experience, who would get hired.  Every single one
said that the RN with no certification would be hired!

This is NOT a slam on RN's, this is a slam on a healthcare system that does
not value the IBCLC credential, a slam on an organization that effectively
ties my hands by the SOP and my own feelings of extreme frustration of
having spent thousands of dollars on a degree in human lactation and an Exam
for a certificate that isn’t worth the paper it is printed on. 

I'll stop my belly aching now-an LC once told me that this profession was a
labor of love and that I'd never get rich from it.  I don’t want to get
rich, I just want to help mothers and babies breastfeed AND help support my
family!  I want to be recognized for the expertise and knowledge that I
have...is that too much to ask?

Sweet Nursings,
 
Robyn 
LLL Leader, IBCLC, BS-MCH:LC
**********************************
Mom to Morgan (10), Siobhan (8), Tiernan (4)
Proud Military Wife to Stephen (13 years)
Proud US Navy Veteran 1991-1997
**********************************
Visit us at 
http://www.flickr.com/photos/rrochepa/ 

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